QFF Platinum requesting release of extra Classic Reward seats?

[jimmy hutspah]

Had an F Flight returning from DFW to Syd in October, needed to change the return date, called this morning 7.30am and got Hobart, requested F from either DFW or LAX for 6 days later, both came back as yes within 2 minutes. WP.

 

[DAC1]

I called yesterday to request seats. Had a very casual discussion with a very experienced Hobart agent (22 years).

When it came to putting in the request, I was told that I could not request the seats as I did not have sufficient points in my account (I only had around ~1k, I was going to transfer whatever I needed in from Amex).

I mentioned that I had no issue releasing 2 U awards between LAX-SYD last week with only ~80k points in my account at the time of request (which is short of the ~216k required). I transferred the remaining points needed into my account after the request was successful and then asked them to ticket the booking.

He told me that there was a back door way that experienced agents could raise a request if there is at least enough points for the cheapest QF award (so 8,000 per passenger), but ideally the requestor should have the full amount required before requesting.

Has anyone heard of this before?

 

[RealtimeY]

Never heard that before, and in fact most of the time I request I don't have enough points at the time... HUACA?

 

[HarryTheFlyer]

I've had that once before, but I told the agent I'd be transferring points over if the request was successful. They acknowledged that and were able to do the request. This was a good 12-18 months ago, and was from an O/S call centre.

 

[levelnine]

Never been an issue for me to request first and transfer points later.

 

[Jousams]

Has anyone heard of this before?

Have had it happen to me once before. Just HUACA.